AC Milan chasing 'a top class striker': Berlusconi

ROME (AFP) - AC Milan are on the lookout for a 'top class striker' for the new season, club owner and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said on Wednesday.

The Serie A club have been very quiet on the transfer market this summer, but Berlusconi warned this is about to change.

"The club have freed up funds and commissioned (club vice-president) Adriano Galliani to purchase a top striker," Berlusconi told a press conference at the club's Milanello base.

"The names (of the strikers) you already know," he said.

The club lost their best forward with the sale of Brazilian Kaka to Real Madrid. But the Italian media have speculated that the club are chasing three strikers including Brazilian Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Holland's Klas-Jan Huntelaar (Real Madrid) and Peruvian Claudio Pizarro (Chelsea).

"Milan already have a battalion of top level strikers but (coach) Leonardo thinks they will not be enough for the championship and two matches a week (with the Champions League)," said Berlusconi.

AC Milan strikers include Brazilians Ronaldinho and Pato, Italians Filippo Inzaghi and Marco Borriello.

And Berlusconi insisted that they would not be selling Italian intenrational midfielder Andrea Pirlo to Chelsea.

"Andrea Pirlo is not for sale," stressed Berlusconi. "He's staying with us and will finish his career at Milan. We've received substantial offers but he's staying. It was Leonardo's main request."

Berlusconi added that he was "very happy" with new Brazilian coach Leonardo.

"After the first weeks working with him, Galliani and the players confirmed it was the right choice. That's why we're very confident."